Actor Isaiah Stokes sentenced for murder in New York

Actor Isaiah Stokes has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for killing a man in New York City. He was found guilty of the fatal shooting of Tyrone Jones on February 7, 2021. Stokes, 45, is known for his roles in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Empire Boardwalk," and "Blue Bloods." The shooting took place while Jones was sitting in a parked Jeep in St. Albans, Queens. He was waiting for a friend when Stokes ambushed him. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Stokes was upset after being thrown out of Jones' birthday party due to an altercation. Katz said Stokes sought revenge on Jones for this incident. He attached a GPS tracker to Jones' vehicle and stalked him for over a week. When Stokes found Jones, he fired 11 shots into the Jeep, hitting Jones in the head and chest. Stokes was arrested on July 16, 2021, and evidence found in his apartment linked him to the crime. After a two-week trial, a jury found Stokes guilty of second-degree murder and weapons charges on March 7, 2025. Katz said justice has been served, and Stokes will face the consequences of his actions.